PFLUGERVILLE, Texas (KXAN) – An Austin veterinarian says a doctor at his clinic removed more than 100 hair ties from a cat’s stomach, saving its life.

The original owner, Derek Hawke, took the cat to Hometown Animal Care in Pflugerville in February. Records show the cat weighed only 3.3 pounds when it should have weighed close to eight, and it had a 90 degree temperature when it should have been closer to 101.2. Hawke disputes the clinic’s assessment of the cat.

Hawke says the cost quoted for surgery plus after-care was not affordable, so he surrendered ownership of the cat to the clinic.